In California, sexual intercourse without consent is considered rape and is punishable by 3 to 8 years in state prison. Sexual intercourse without consent can include the following situations:

• Sexual intercourse under force, threat or fraud
• A sex crime committed while the victim was unconscious, asleep or otherwise unaware that the sex crime was occurring
• A sex crime committed by a healthcare professional who led the victim to believe that the act was part of a medical procedure when it was not.

Statutory rape is a category of rape which is defined as sexual intercourse with a minor (under the age of 18), whether or not there was any force or threat. Under California law, statutory rape is a misdemeanor if the age difference between the defendant and the victim is less than 3 years. If the age difference is more than 3 years, the defendant may be sentenced to up to one year in county jail or be incarcerated in state prison. If the defendant is over 21 and the victim is under 16, the punishment may be up to 4 years in state prison.

Child molestation or "lewd and lascivious acts upon a child" is defined as sexual acts committed with a child under 14 years of age, and is a felony punishable by up to 8 years in state prison. If this crime is committed with the use of force or threats, there may be an additional 8-year sentence. Los Angeles District Attorneys can also file another 8-year felony charge if the child under the age of 14 was allegedly victimized by the child's caretaker, or if the sex crime was committed against someone dependent on the care of others.

A sex crime charge has drastic and life-changing consequences for your life. Sex crime convictions result in severe punishments including substantial prison time, life behind bars and lifetime sex offender registration which displays your picture, home address and convictions on the Internet. This often has a devastating effect on your family and friends, and may subject you to harassment even after you serve your sentence.

If you are charged with a sex crime in Los Angeles, you will need the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Okorie Okorocha is one of a select few Nationally Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyers, and among these is the only one in California with a master's degree in forensic science (which is critical to the defense of sex crimes.) Mr. Okorocha is an aggressive trial attorney who will make every effort to fight for his clients' best interests.

Call (310) 497-0321 or submit our online Contact Us form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney. We are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.